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The Cost of a Replacement Car Key It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It is important to remember that a replacement car key may not cost more than you think. The cost of buying a new car key is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of replacement key you require and the location of your home. Traditional keys are the cheapest, while the smart keys are more expensive. Cost of parts The cost will vary depending on the type of key you require. Keys that are standard, but without transponder chips are available for copying between $50 and $110. The cost increases when you require a key fob with a transponder chip, or a push-to-start vehicle which requires an additional fob to start the car. These types of keys can be costly to duplicate or replace, and are harder for car thieves to steal. The year, make and model of your vehicle will also impact the price. The latest models may have transponder chips which need to be connected to the car by an auto locksmith or dealer. This means that the replacement key needs to be programmed to function with the vehicle, which could cost as much as $200. The cost of replacement keys is also affected by Auto locksmiths are the most affordable alternative, however they do not have all the equipment needed to handle more sophisticated key fobs and vehicles. You can copy the basic key yourself at a hardware store however, the process takes a long time and may be a challenge when you don't have the proper tools. You can also call roadside assistance for a replacement key. However, they'll tow your vehicle to a dealer and the process can take a few days. If you own a more recent key fob, the most efficient method to save money is to purchase all-in one laser-cut keys and program them yourself. This is becoming more difficult as a lot of key fobs have security features that stop theft. Many companies have software programs that can be used to create keys, but they are generally only available to customers with service contracts or as a courtesy through the dealership. Locksmiths aren't likely to allow cars to be opened if they've locked locks that have been forced or altered. Insurance companies will be notified if you use wire hangers to unlock your car. Cost of Labor The cost of replacing a car key will depend on the type you need. A traditional double-edged car key can usually be duplicated at a local hardware store for less than $10. However, more sophisticated keys require specialized equipment to create and program. This can dramatically increase the cost of replacing your car keys. If your vehicle has the key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, you'll need install a new fob in addition. It could cost up to $200, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. Furthermore, many of the newer models also have a transponder chip in the key that needs to be replaced and programmed to function correctly. This is a cost that is difficult to estimate until the key is actually lost and requires to be replaced. To make a new replacement key , a special cutting machine is required. They can be costly to purchase and not accessible to people who don't have an auto mechanic's shop. Furthermore, the key's housing must be replaced as well which could add to the overall cost of a replacement car key. Depending on the type of car key, you may also need to purchase additional replacement parts. Certain key fobs, for instance, come with features such as panic or remote lock/unlock buttons that can increase the overall cost. Furthermore, certain key fobs require a battery which can be expensive to replace. It is advisable to create an extra key before you lose the original. This will ease the anxiety of losing your keys, and ensure that you have another backup. If you do end up needing an additional key, you should look for a locksmith or a car dealer equipped to work with your car. This will be less expensive than purchasing a new key from the dealer and you can avoid the high fees that come with this option. If you own keys that require programming, it's essential to keep a record of your immobilizer code or the key number in case you want to have it reprogrammed later on. This information is typically found on your title or registration and can be provided to a locksmith or auto dealer for a fee. Cost of Equipment Modern cars come with key fobs that can lock, unlock and start the vehicle with just one button. These devices are convenient, but expensive to replace if they become lost or damaged. Locksmiths can save you money when they replace keys without needing to replace the device. However, there are several aspects to take into consideration when it comes to the cost of replacing a car key. The year, make and model of the vehicle. There are many types of keys for cars, from laser-cut keys to switchblades. These keys are very difficult to duplicate due to being so distinct. This is especially relevant for modern car key transponders, which must be programmed into the vehicle. This process can be done by a specialist, but it generally costs more than a simple key copy. Another factor that can affect the cost of a replacement car key is the model of car. Cars with basic keys cost less to replace. However the most sophisticated cars require a special key that can cost as much as $500 to replace. The type of key and the location of the car may influence the cost of a new car key. It could cost you more to tow your vehicle to the nearest dealership if you lose your keys in a place unknown. You can avoid this expense by keeping keys in a safe place, such as your home or the office. It is also important to remember that most of the time keys for new cars is programmed by the dealer. This is because most main dealers do not have mobile key programming facilities and can only do it in their workshop. This can be a big cost in the event of losing your car's only set of keys, which is why it's recommended to be proactive and keep a spare set with you at all times. Cost of Replacement Keys Based on the make and model of your vehicle You may need to purchase replacement keys from an auto dealer or locksmith. Before you do this, make sure to check the type of your car's keys and if it comes with a transponder chip or smart key technology. These technologies can increase the cost of your car key replacement. A traditional car that does not have a keyfob can be cheap and can be duplicated at the local hardware store for less than $25. It is recommended to keep an extra in case you lose your original. More recent cars have keys that emit an electronic signal to unlock and start the vehicle. This could be a big problem to replace in the event of it being lost, as you will have to contact the car manufacturer for a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The cost of a standard key fob replacement can range from $50 to $150. In certain instances you may be able to have your key fob replaced at the dealership as long as you prove ownership with proof of registration or title. However, the dealer might charge an additional fee for the service to cover travel costs and time spent at a remote location. Alternately, you can purchase an aftermarket key on the internet or even directly from the vehicle manufacturer. This option is cheaper however it is more risky as the quality of these keys can't be assured. You should never attempt to break into your own vehicle using wire hangers or force, as this could cause alarms and make it difficult for a professional locksmith to open your car door. This could also result in damage to the lock, which could result in higher costs for repairs or replacements. If you can locate your car keys, it may be worth the extra money to get them cloned at an auto repair shop instead of at the dealership. This could help you save money, especially when you have an extra car key in your home.